Mental Health Nursing BN (Hons)

Please note: the UCAS course code for this course was previously B760.

Mental health nursing is a rewarding though demanding career. Mental health nurses work with people experiencing a range of mental health issues in a variety of settings addressing not only their mental health but also their physical, social and spiritual needs. This course offers the opportunity to gain a degree and registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Each year of the programme has both generic and mental health field specific modules equating to 120 credits per year. We have a range of placements available for students which include child and adolescent services, inpatient units, community mental health teams, older person’s services, medium secure units and substance misuse services.

The course is appropriate for careers working with people of all ages facing physical and mental health challenges or living with learning disabilities who need professional nursing care. Nursing offers a range of interesting and rewarding careers in healthcare. Advice on entry requirements and careers can be found here.

The taught elements of this course can be delivered at both the Bangor & Wrexham Archimedes Centre campuses so students can choose which location they wish to apply for.

Unfortunately as this course is funded by the NHS and students have to have placements in the local NHS Health Board we are unable to accept applications from overseas (Non EU) students.

Why choose Bangor University for this course?

The taught elements of this course are held at both the Bangor & Wrexham Archimedes Centre campuses. Students can choose which location they wish to apply for.

Visit our Why Study with us? page to find out some key facts about why you should choose Bangor for this course.

Key Facts from UniStats

You will have compulsory theoretical study and clinical placements in hospitals, community and/or residential settings in north Wales. Closely-supervised placements enable observation of professionals at work and participation in delivery of nursing care starting early in the course. Support is available from a personal tutor who is a registered nurse and an academic member of staff and mentorship supervision from a practicing registered nurse on placement. Theoretical and practical work is assessed through assignments, examinations, presentations and the All-Wales Assessment of Clinical Practice portfolio.

What will you study on this course?

You can study one of four fields of practice; adult nursing, mental health nursing, learning disabilities nursing or children’s nursing. The course is based equally on theory and practice – 50% is on theoretical study and 50% is spent in clinical practice developing competence needed for entry to the NMC’s register. You will develop skills and professional behaviours, values and attitudes expected of a nurse to ensure the safety and protection of people of all ages and their carers and families. There are opportunities to study alongside other student healthcare professionals and the School has a strategy for interprofessional learning. Within the individual degree programmes there are shared learning opportunities for all fields to learn together about common or generic elements such as anatomy and physiology, psychology, sociology, communication, reflection, law and ethics.

This course is validated against the NMC Standards for Pre-registration Education 2010 and remain valid until the validation of courses to the new standards in 2020. Courses may be amended to reflect these new standards during that process.

Where will I study?

The taught elements of this course can be delivered at both the Bangor & Wrexham Archimedes Centre campuses so students can choose which location they wish to apply for. Placements for student nurses take place within the BCUHB area.

Modules for the current academic year

Module listings are for guide purposes only and are subject to change. Find out what our students are currently studying on the Mental Health Nursing Modules page.

Course content is for guidance purposes only and may be subject to change.

Qualifying as a Registered Nurse in Wales enables registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Careers may be with large employers e.g. NHS Health Boards or independent sector organisations and can lead to opportunities in clinical specialisms, management, research, or education.

Employability and the School of Healthcare Sciences

Graduates in nursing, midwifery and radiography from the School of Healthcare Sciences gain both an academic and professional qualification that is well-regarded by Betsi Cadwaldr University Health Board, Bronglais Hospital, Aberystwyth, University Hospital of North Staffordshire, the Countess of Chester Hospital and other educational partner placement providers in Wales and England.

Our employability record is excellent and you can view current statistics as well as other essential information about our programmes at Unistats:

Currently 100% of graduates of all four Nursing degrees are in a professional/managerial position after 6 months (KIS)” and

Careers advice

Careers advice is gained from healthcare professionals both in practice and in dedicated careers sessions and NHS Careers has more details of the career opportunities that are available to Midwifery graduates. You are also eligible to register for the Bangor Employability Award to further enhance career prospects and advice is also available form the Bangor University Careers & Employability Service.

The School offers a wide range of post-graduate and post-registration opportunities to further enhance career prospects such as Masters degree programmes and courses leading to qualifications for specialisms including intensive care nursing or specialist practice awards. The post-graduate award programmes involve research leading to Masters and Doctoral qualifications, which includes our Professional Doctorate aimed at individuals in advanced clinical or organisational roles which combine elements of practice, research and service improvement in healthcare.

All students are well-supported in practice placements and the Nursing and Midwifery Council have favourably assessed the quality of mentorship provision and student support in clinical placements concluding 'the university and its partners are commended for their excellent partnership relationships at strategic and operational levels' (NMC UK Wide Quality Assurance Framework Programme Monitoring Report 2011).

Opportunities at Bangor

The University’s Careers and Employability Service provides a wide range of resources to help you achieve your graduate ambitions. Developing your personal skills and enhancing your employability while at university is becoming increasingly important in today’s job market.

The Bangor Employability Award (BEA)

The Bangor Employability Award enables students to build on their transferable skills through the recognition of activities they become involved in during their university life. Students can gain points towards the award through extra-curricular activities such as volunteering, attending workshops or actively participating in the Students’ Union’s clubs and societies.

The Award is open to everyone and taking part in the scheme can make a major difference to your performance in the graduate job market.

Internships

Bangor University runs undergraduate and postgraduate internship schemes twice a year, which allow students to work in a professional environment while learning relevant skills and earning money.

Internships offer valuable experience in a professional work place and there is a range of internships you can get involved in.

Student Volunteering

Not only is volunteering worthwhile – it also improves your employability and widens your experience.

The Students’ Union has a dedicated Student Volunteering Office (SVB) which currently contributes a total of 600 hours each week, promoting a close relationship between the university and the local community. Find out more on the Student Volunteering pages of the Bangor Student’s Union website.

Working while you Study

The JobZone is the University’s Student Employment Bureau; they advertise the following opportunities:

Unfortunately as this course is funded by the NHS and students have to have placements in the local NHS Health Board we are unable to accept applications from overseas (Non EU) students.

All applicants to the BN Degree must satisfy a range of entry criteria – consult the NMC’s Standards for Preregistration Nursing Education or contact admissions.health@ bangor.ac.uk for further advice/information. NMC entry requirements include demonstrating good health and good character. The School requires all candidates to undertake a criminal record check and other requirements for demonstrating good character; the local Health Board will be responsible for setting the requirement for good health. All applicants must meet the NMC entry requirements for literacy and numeracy. This would normally be demonstrated through having achieved GCSE Mathematics and Welsh or English (minimum grades A to C) or the equivalent in numeracy and communication Key Skills, level 3.

Unfortunately as this course is funded by the NHS and students have to have placements in the local NHS Health Board we are unable to accept applications from overseas (Non EU) students

The entry requirements below outline the minimum educational requirements. Applicants will be expected to attend for an interview if selected, and undergo further screening for entry into nursing. See below for details.

Typical Academic Requirements for September 2018 / March 2019 and for September 2019

120 tariff points required from a level 3 qualification*(these include A levels, BTEC, Access, Irish Highers, International Baccalaureate, Welsh Baccalaureate, Scottish Advanced Highers and others – for a full list, please refer to the UCAS tariff at www.ucas.com).

We also welcome applications from mature applicants, individuals with European qualifications and international applicants (subject to minimum English language requirements).

Candidates with entry qualifications older than 5 years must demonstrate evidence of recent study at an appropriate level.

Good Health and Good Character

All students applying for the Bachelor of Nursing programme must meet the following criteria for good health and good character during the admission process (see NMC guidance here):

Good health will be assessed through health screening including, for example, your immunisation history, as a condition of acceptance onto the course.

You will be asked to provide a reference included in your UCAS application and we also ask for a Caring Reference in accordance with the Welsh Chief Nursing Officer initiative. This should be from an employer or manager form any caring experience you have gained in either a voluntary or paid capacity. If in employment, we will need a reference from your current employer with a full employment history.

Criminal record check - you must indicate correctly on your UCAS form any cautions, convictions, reprimands or warnings as these are not regarded as spent when applying for a health related course. Information about cautions, convictions, reprimands or warnings will be requested with your application which will include a self- declaration form. A condition of any offer of a place on the programme will be provision by the candidate and clearance of a full enhanced criminal record check (or EU or international equivalent).

General University entry requirements

We accept students with a wide range of qualifications and backgrounds and consider each application individually.

All students need to have good basic skills and the University also values IT and communication skills.

As part of the University’s policy we consider applications from prospective disabled students on the same grounds as all other students.

To study a degree, diploma or certificate course you’ll be asked for a minimum of UCAS Tariff points. For a fuller explanation of the UCAS Tariff Points, please see www.ucas.com

We also consider applications from mature students who can demonstrate the motivation and commitment to study a university programme. Each year we enrol a significant number of mature students. For more help and advice about being a mature student at Bangor, please visit the Study at Bangor site.

Specific entry requirements can be seen on the individual course pages.

EU and International students' entry requirements

For information and further detailed guidance on entry requirements for EU and International Students, including the minimum English Language entry requirement, please visit the Entry Requirements by Country pages. International applicants can also visit the International Education Centre section of our website for further details.

If you attend your Graduation Ceremony, there will be a cost for gown hire (£25-£75) and cost for guest tickets (£12 each).

Course-specific additional costs
Depending on the course you are studying, there may be additional course-specific costs that you will be required to meet. These fall into three categories:

Mandatory Costs: these are related to a particular core or compulsory module that you’ll be required to complete to achieve your qualification e.g. compulsory field trips, uniforms for students on placement, DBS Check.

Necessarily Incurred Costs: these may not be experienced by all students, and will vary depending on the course e.g. professional body membership, travel to placements, specialist software, personal safety equipment.

Optional Costs: these depend on your choice of modules or activity and they are shown to give you an indication of the optional costs that may arise to make sure your choice is as informed as possible. These can include graduation events for your course, optional field trips, Welcome Week trips.

Mandatory Costs:

DBS check.

Registration on completion of study with NMC/HCPC.

Necessarily Incurred Costs:

Subscription to union eg RCN or Unison to provided insurance indemnity and support.

Students are expected to fund their own travel to clinical placements with funding available to cover travel costs to placement which exceed the cost/mileage of travel to theoretical base (means-tested/bursary).

Students will need to purchase printing credits for their personal use.

Students will be expected to pay for any additional uniforms if they require them.

Optional Costs:

Graduation gown.

Cost to conferences is covered if study leave is authorised.

Costs to celebration events is covered if student is asked to attend.

Notes:

All assignments are submitted electronically. The printing and binding of dissertations and thesis applies only to Post Graduate students.

Interview and selection for BN Nursing

All applicants will be required to attend a group interview, after which candidates will be notified if they have been shortlisted and further information will be required before final acceptance onto the course can be granted. Please visit the interview and selection for BN Nursing page to find out more.

Unfortunately as this course is funded by the NHS and students have to have placements in the local NHS Health Board we are unable to accept applications from overseas (Non EU) students.

The early closing date is October 15 for all Oxbridge, Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary students. The main closing date for all applications is January 15.

Your Personal Statement

Writing your Personal Statement is the part of the application form that requires most work. You are only allowed 47 lines or 500–550 words to explain why you wish to study the course and the skills you have that are essential for university study.

To write a successful personal statement for your UCAS application you must have a good understanding about the course and its content. Remember that you write only one personal statement for your five choices. Make sure that the courses are similar, if not the same, and make sure that you do not mention a specific course or university.

We have positive links with the local University Health Board (BCUHB) and other care providers in North Wales, and North West England.

Health and Well-being offers a work placement in your second year to help improve your workplace skills and give your CV a healthy boost. Depending on your interests this might involve you working with a school or community group, or even as part of Public Health Wales.

Radiography, Midwifery and Nursing are still NHS Bursary funded, providing payment of all tuition fees and grant support towards living costs available to students from across the UK & EU.

There will be opportunities to experience bilingual practice in some parts of your placements.

We have Experienced Researchers and Lecturers in Health/Social Care and Well Being.

We offer conferences, seminars and workshops on key health and social care issues.

An accreditation of Prior Learning Scheme, so that previous academic experiences may be accredited.

We have one of the largest Peer Guiding schemes.

We have commissioned places for some modules and courses particularly for BCUHB and WAST employee.

Funding

Student Awards Services implements the NHS Wales Bursary Schemes, which provides funding for healthcare students on NHS funded courses in Wales. If you are considering a professional career in health care and would like to know more about the financial support you will get during your training, then please contact:

The Council of Deans also has a funding website with a wealth of information for students considering studying in Wales and beyond.

Studying at Bangor

Rated Gold for teaching

We have been awarded a Gold rating, the highest rating possible, for the standarad of our teaching in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) assessment. The TEF assessment took into account teaching quality, learning environment and student outcomes and learning gain. We were judged to deliver consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for our students and our teaching is of the highest quality found in the UK.

A top 10 university

The National Student Survey (NSS) results place Bangor amongst the UK’s top 10 universities (excluding specialist institutions) for student satisfaction. This reflects the University’s focus on overall student experience.